Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1 SNOWBLOWER IMPELLER
2
3 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
4 1. Field of the Invention
[01] This invention generally relates to an apparatus for blowing snow. The
6 present invention more specifically relates to a member of a snowblower
impeller
7 that is adapted to propel the snow. The present invention also relates to
other
8 features adapted to improve the efficiency of a snowblower.
9
2. Description of the Related Art
11 [02] Apparatuses for removing snow come in various configurations.
They
12 come in small size for personal snowblowers and they reach significant
sizes in
13 industrial applications. Generally, snowblowers are designed to remove
snow,
14 ice, and sometimes other debris, from the ground and propel the snow and
ice at
a distance to clear the ground.
16 [03] Snowblowers can use different mechanical configurations to
perform
17 the required task. Some snowblowers are using an endless screw in front
of the
18 apparatus to break the snow and the ice in smaller portions, in a first
stage, and
19 then use a rotatable impeller to propel the snow and the ice at a
distance from
the snowblower, in a second stage. The distance and the direction are managed
21 with a directional nozzle. The snowblower can be powered in different
ways,
22 generally with an engine via a drive member. The engine can be part of
the
23 snowblower in some configurations. A vehicle carrying the snowblower can
24 alternatively provide power to the snowblower in other configurations.
[04] The rotatable impeller generally includes a series of vanes or blades
26 sized and designed to receive thereon snow and ice. Rotation of the
blades is
27 propelling the snow and the ice. The blades are generally equipped with
a knife
28 portion to cut through snow and ice. The blades are generally disposed
on the
29 snow contacting edge of the impeller to propel the snow. The snow is
generally
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1 pushed toward the exterior diameter of the impeller when propelled by the
2 rotating impeller, subjected to centrifugal forces.
3 [05] To some extent, the impeller can be compared to a turbine
that is
4 pumping air and snow. The blades of the impeller are thus designed to
ingest
snow, a solid material, and are also pumping air, a fluid with lesser density.
The
6 vanes that are generally flat to prevent solid material to squeeze
between the
7 vanes and the impeller housing. The design of the impeller could be
improved to
8 increase the efficiency of the snowblower and reduce the required amount
of
9 power to perform the same work.
[06] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved snowblower over the
11 existing art that is requiring less power to propel a same amount of
snow and ice.
12 [07] It is also desirable to provide an improved impeller over the
existing art
13 that is adapted to ingest and propel more snow.
14 [08] Other deficiencies will become apparent to one skilled in the
art to
which the invention pertains in view of the following summary and detailed
16 description with its appended figures.
17
18
2
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1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
2 [09] One aspect of the present invention is to alleviate one or
more of the
3 shortcomings of the background art by addressing one or more of the
existing
4 needs in the art.
[10] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order
to
6 provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This
summary is
7 not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to
identify key/critical
8 elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its
sole
9 purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form
as a
prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
11 [11] The invention is generally described as an improved impeller
for a
12 snowblower having improved snow-blowing capability and other
improvements
13 thereof as described below.
14 [12] The invention is generally described as a self-powered
snowblower
having improved snow-blowing capability and other improvements thereof
16 caused, at least in part, by an improved design of the impeller as
described
17 below.
18 [13] The invention is generally described as a vehicle including a
19 snowblower having improved snow-blowing capability and other
improvements
thereof caused, at least in part, by an improved design of the impeller as
21 described below.
22 [14] The invention is generally described as a method of
propelling snow
23 and other materials by a snow blower having improved snow blowing
capability
24 and other improvements thereof caused, at least in part, by an improved
design
of the impeller as described below.
26 [15] The invention is generally described as a method of
propelling snow
27 and other materials carried on by a vehicle including a snowblower
having
28 improved snow blowing capability and other improvements thereof caused,
at
29 least in part, by an improved design of the impeller as described
therein.
3
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1 [16] The invention is generally described as a replacement
impeller for
2 existing snowblowers, the replacement impeller having improved snow-
blowing
3 capability and other improvements thereof caused, at least in part, by an
4 improved design of the impeller as described below.
[17] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
6 the invention, provide an improved snowblower impeller performance over
the
7 existing art.
8 [18] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
9 the invention, provide an impeller including a plurality of radially
elongated vanes
adapted to propel snow and ice.
11 [19] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
12 the invention, provide an impeller including at least some elongated
vanes
13 including a portion thereof that are substantially extending toward the
rotation
14 axis of the impeller in a fashion adapted to generate augmented vacuum
via the
area in proximity of the rotation axis of the impeller to move additional air
and
16 snow with the impeller.
17 [20] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
18 the invention, provide an impeller including a plurality of radially
elongated vanes
19 adapted to propel snow and ice. At least some of the elongated vanes
including a
snow-engaging portion that is substantially extending toward the rotation axis
of
21 the impeller in a fashion adapted to ingest more material with the
center portion
22 of the impeller in proximity of the rotation axis of the impeller.
23 [21] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
24 the invention, provide an impeller including a plurality of radially
elongated vanes
adapted to propel snow and ice. At least some of the elongated vanes including
26 portion substantially extending to the center of the impeller in a
fashion adapted
27 to move air inside the snow blower.
28 [22] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
29 the invention, provide an impeller including a plurality of radially
elongated vanes
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1 adapted to propel snow and ice. At least some of the elongated vanes
including
2 portion substantially extending over the rotation axis of the impeller.
3 [23] Aspects of our work, '1 accordance with at least one
embodiment of
4 the invention, provide an impeller including a plurality of radially
elongated vanes
sized and designed to prevent a loss of pressure via an area at the center of
the
6 impeller, on the front side of the vanes.
7 [24] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
8 the invention, provide an impeller including improved attack edges on the
vanes.
9 [25] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the invention, provide an impeller including toothed attack edges on the
vanes.
11 [26] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
12 the invention, provide an impeller including vanes with at least one
attack edge
13 substantially extending to the center of the impeller to increase the
amount of
14 snow collected by the impeller.
[27] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
16 the invention, provide an impeller including vanes with at least one
attack edge
17 substantially extending to the center of the impeller to increase the
vacuum
18 created by the rotating impeller.
19 [28] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the invention, provide an impelier including vanes on the distal portion of
the
21 impeller, and not extending in the center of the impeller, with at least
one attack
22 edge substantially extending to the center of the impeller to increase
the amount
23 of snow propelled by the impeller.
24 [29] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the invention, provide an impeller including vanes on the distal portion of
the
26 impeller, and not extending in the center of the impeller, with at least
one attack
27 edge substantially extending toward the center of the impeller to
increase the
28 vacuum created by the rotating impeller.
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1 [30] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
2 the invention, provide an impeller including improved blades on the
vanes.
3 [31] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
4 the invention, provide an impuller including vanes with at least one
blade
substantially extending toward the center of the impeller to increase the
amount
6 of snow collected by the impeller.
7 [32] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
8 the invention, provide an impeller including vanes with at least one
blade
9 substantially extending toward the center of the impeller to increase the
vacuum
created by the rotating impeller.
11 [33] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
12 the invention, provide an impeller including vanes on the distal portion
of the
13 impeller, and not extending in the center of the impeller, with at least
one blade
14 substantially extending toward the center of the impeller to increase
the amount
of injected snow in the impeller.
16 [34] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
17 the invention, provide an impeller including vanes on the distal portion
of the
18 impeller, and not extending in the center of the impeller, with at least
one blade
19 substantially extending to the center of the impeller to increase the
vacuum
created by the rotating impeller.
21 [35] Aspects of our work, ,n accordance with at least one
embodiment of
22 the invention, provide an impeller having vanes with at least one angled
blade to
23 increase the amount of snow propelled by the impeller.
24 [36] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the invention, provide an impeller having vanes with at least one angled
attack
26 edge substantially extending toward the center of the impeller to
increase the
27 amount of snow propelled by the impeller.
28 [37] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
29 the invention, provide an impeller having vanes with at least one multi-
angled
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1 blade substantially extending toward the center of the impeller to
increase the
2 amount of snow propelled by the impeller.
3 [38] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
4 the invention, provide an impeller having vanes with at least one multi-
angled
snow attack edge substantially Extending to the center of the impeller to
increase
6 the amount of snow propelled by the impeller.
7 [39] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
8 the invention, provide an impeller having vanes with at least one tooted
snow
9 engaging blade substantially extending across the entire diameter of the
impeller
to increase the amount of snow propelled by the impeller.
11 [40] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
12 invention, provide an impeller having removable snow-engaging portions
that are
13 securable to respective vanes.
14 [41] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
invention, provide assembled an impeller having removable snow-engaging
portions.
16 [42] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
17 invention, provide an impeller having a first set of tooted snow-
engaging portions
18 secured on respective vanes and also optionally removable tooted snow-
engaging
19 portions secured to the first set of tooted snow-engaging portions. The
first set of
tooted snow-engaging portions and the removable tooted snow-engaging portions
21 can be of similar of dissimilar shape and sizes. The teeth of the first
set of tooted
22 snow-engaging portions and the removable tooted snow-engaging portions
can have
23 aligned teeth or offset teeth.
24 [43] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the invention, provide an impeller having vanes with at least one tooted
attack
26 edge substantially extending over the diameter of the impeller to
increase the
27 amount of injected snow propelled by the impeller. Aspects of our work,
in
28 accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, provide a kit
comprising
29 an impeller having the advantages described therein and a snowblower
housing
adapted to operatively receive therein the impeller.
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1 [44] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
2 invention, provide an impeller for a snowblowing apparatus, the impeller
being
3 designed to rotate about a rotation axis, the impeller comprising a front
axial region
4 thereof, the front axial region being configured to receive snow therein;
a rear axial
region thereof; a periphery thereof; a hub, generally located between the
front axial
6 region and the rear axial region, adapted to rotate about the rotation
axis; a plurality
7 of vanes generally radially extending from the periphery toward the
rotation axis, the
8 plurality of vanes including a portion configured to propel snow between
the front
9 axial region and the rear axial region, a snow-engaging portion generally
located
toward the front axial region, wherein the snow engaging portion of at least
one of
11 the plurality of vanes radially is extending from the periphery further
toward the
12 rotation axis to reduce. the radial area not covered by the snow-
engaging portions of
13 the other vanes when the impeller is rotating about the rotation axis.
14 [45] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
invention, provide a snowblower comprising an impeller configured to rotate
about a
16 rotation axis, the impeller comprising a front axial region thereof, the
front axial
17 region being configured to receive snow therein; a rear axial region
thereof; a
18 periphery thereof; a hub, generally located between the front axial
region and the
19 rear axial region, adapted to rotate about the rotation axis; a
plurality of vanes
generally radially extending from the periphery toward the rotation axis, the
plurality
21 of vanes including a portion configured to propel snow between the front
axial region
22 and the rear axial region, a snow-engaging portion generally located
toward the front
23 axial region, wherein the snow engaging portion of at least one of the
plurality of
24 vanes radially is extending from the periphery further toward the
rotation axis to
reduce the radial area not covere-1 by the snow-engaging portions of the other
vanes
26 when the impeller is rotating about the rotation axis.
27 [46] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
28 invention, provide an impeller for a snowblowing apparatus, the impeller
being
29 designed to rotate about a rotation axis thereof, the impeller
comprising a front axial
region thereof, the front axial region being configured to receive snow
therein; a rear
31 axial region thereof; a periphery thereof; a hub, generally located
between the front
32 axial region and the rear axial region, adapted to rotate about the
rotation axis; a
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1 plurality of vanes generally radially extending from the periphery toward
the rotation
2 axis, the plurality of vanes including a portion configured to propel
snow between the
3 front axial region and the rear axial region, a snow-engaging portion
generally
4 located toward the front axial region, wherein the snow engaging portion
of at least
one of the plurality of vanes radially is extending from the periphery further
toward
6 the rotation axis to reduce the radial area not covered by the snow-
engaging portions
7 of the other vanes when the impeller is rotating about the rotation axis.
8 [47] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
9 invention, provide A snowblowing apparatus comprising an impeller adapted
to
rotate about a rotation axis thereof, the impeller comprising a front axial
region
11 thereof, the front axial region being configured to receive snow
therein; a rear axial
12 region thereof; a periphery thereof; a hub, generally located between
the front axial
13 region and the rear axial region, adapted to rotate about the rotation
axis; a plurality
14 of vanes generally radially extending from the periphery toward the
rotation axis, the
plurality of vanes including a portion configured to propel snow between the
front
16 axial region and the rear axial region, a snow-engaging portion
generally located
17 toward the front axial region, wherein the snow engaging portion of at
least one of
18 the plurality of vanes radially is extending from the periphery further
toward the
19 rotation axis to reduce the radial area not covered by the snow-engaging
portions of
the other vanes when the impeller is rotating about the rotation axis.
21 [48] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and
advantages of
22 embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the
following
23 description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
24
BRIEF DESCPIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
26 [49] Figure 1 is an illustration of an exemplary snowblower
operatively
27 attached at the back of a vehicle;
28 [50] Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a manually operated
snowblower,
29 in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof r;
9
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1 [51] Figure 3 is a perspective illustration of the front-right
side of an
2 exemplary snowblower, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
3 [52] Figure 4 is a of the an exemplary snowblower wherein the
impeller is
4 displayed;
[53] Figure 5 is a left side elevational view of an exemplary snowblower,
in
6 accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
7 [54] Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of an exemplary
snowblower, in
8 accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
9 [55] Figure 7 is a left elevational view of an exemplary
snowblower, in
accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
11 [56] Figure 8 is a rear-right perspective view of an exemplary
snowblower
12 with two screw-like tooth member, in accordance with at least one
embodiment
13 thereof;
14 [57] Figure 9 is a right side elevational view of an exemplary
snowblower, in
accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
16 [58] Figure 10 is a front side elevational view of an exemplary
snowblower,
17 in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
18 [59] Figure 11 is a perspective illustration of a semi-exploded
view of an
19 exemplary snowblower, in accordance with at least one embodiment
thereof;
[60] Figure 12 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary snowblower, in
21 accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
22 [61] Figure 13 is an illustration of the front elevational view of
the impeller
23 when assembled in the exemplary snowblower, in accordance with at least
one
24 embodiment thereof;
[62] Figure 14 is a semi-exploded perspective view of an exemplary
26 snowblower assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
27 [63] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
28 snowblower assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
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1 [64] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
2 snowblower assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
3 [65] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
4 snowblower assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
[66] Figure 18 is a schematic profile illustration of the principles at
work in
6 the prior art to create a vacuum in a snowblower;
7 [67] Figure 19 is a schematic profile illustration of the
principles at work in
8 the prior art to create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein the air-flow and
the
9 suction of snow within the snowblower are illustrated;
[68] Figure 20 is a schematic profile illustration of the principles at
work to
11 create a vacuum in a snowblower, in accordance with at least one
embodiment
12 thereof;
13 [69] Figure 21 is a schematic profile illustration of the
principles at work to
14 create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein the air-flow and the suction of
snow
within the snowblower are illustrated, in accordance with at least one of the
16 embodiment thereof;
17 [70] Figure 22 is a schematic profile illustration of the
principles at work to
18 create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein a restriction member is added,
in
19 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
[71] Figure 23 is a schematic profile illustration of the principles at
work to
21 create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein a restriction member is added,
in
22 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
23 [72] Figure 24 is a schematic profile illustration of the
principles at work to
24 create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein a restriction member extending
beyond the length of the snow-e. 'gaging portions is added, in accordance with
at
26 least one of the embodiment thereof;
27 [73] Figure 25 is a schematic profile illustration of the
principles at work to
28 create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein a restriction member extending
29 beyond the length of the snow-engaging portions is added and wherein the
air-
11
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1 flow and the suction of snow within the snowblower are illustrated, in
accordance
2 with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
3 [74] Figure 26 is a schematic profile illustration of the
principles at work to
4 create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein a restriction member extending to
the
axis of rotation is added, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment
6 thereof;
7 [75] Figure 27 is a schematic profile illustration of the
principles at work to
8 create a vacuum in a snowblower wherein a restriction member extending to
the
9 axis of rotation is added and wherein the air-flow and the suction of
snow within
the snowblower are illustrated, in accordance with at least one of the
11 embodiment thereof;
12 [76] Figure 28 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
13 the impeller, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
an
14 illustration of the perspective view of a possible embodiment of the
impeller in the
exemplary snowblower;
16 [77] Figure 29 is an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
17 impeller, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof; is
an
18 illustration of the elevation view of a possible embodiment of the
impeller in the
19 exemplary snowblower;
[78] Figure 30 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a possible
21 embodiment of the impeller, in accordance with at least one of the
embodiment
22 thereof; is an illustration of the perspective view of a possible
embodiment of the
23 impeller in the exemplary snowblower;
24 [79] Figure 31 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
the impeller, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
26 [80] Figure 32 is an elevat.onal illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
27 impeller, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
12
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1 [81] Figure 33 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a
possible
2 embodiment of the impeller, in accordance with at least one of the
embodiment
3 thereof;
4 [82] Figure 34 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
the impeller wherein the extension and snow-engaging portions are toothless,
in
6 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
7 [83] Figure 35 is an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
8 impeller wherein the extension and snow-engaging portions are toothless,
in
9 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof; is an
illustration of the
elevation view of a possible embodiment of the impeller in the exemplary
11 snowblower wherein the extensions snow-engaging portions have no teeth;
12 [84] Figure 36 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a
possible
13 embodiment of the impeller wherein the extension and snow-engaging
portions
14 are toothless, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment
thereof;
[85] Figure 37 is a top perspective illustration of a possible embodiment
of
16 the impeller wherein the extensions have a plurality of sequential
toothed attack
17 angles, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
18 [86] Figure 38 is an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
19 impeller wherein the extensions have a plurality of sequential toothed
attack
angles, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
21 [87] Figure 39 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a
possible
22 embodiment of the impeller wherein the extensions have a plurality of
sequential
23 toothed attack angles, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment
thereof;
24 [88] Figure 40 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
the impeller wherein the extension and snow-engaging portions are toothless
and
26 the extensions have a plurality of sequential attack angles, in
accordance with at
27 least one of the embodiment the-eof;
28 [89] Figure 41 is an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
29 impeller wherein the extension and snow-engaging portions are toothless
and the
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1 extensions have a plurality of sequential attack angles, in accordance
with at
2 least one of the embodiment thereof;
3 [90] Figure 42 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a
possible
4 embodiment of the impeller wherein the extension and snow-engaging
portions
are toothless and the extensions have a plurality of sequential attack angles,
in
6 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
7 [91] Figure 43 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
8 the impeller wherein four extended snow-engaging portions are
interconnected in
9 the center of the axis of rotation, in accordance with at least one of
the
embodiment thereof;
11 [92] Figure 44 is an elevatlonal illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
12 impeller wherein four extended snow-engaging portions are interconnected
in the
13 center of the axis of rotation, in accordance with at least one of the
embodiment
14 thereof;
[93] Figure 45 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a possible
16 embodiment of the impeller wherein four extended snow-engaging portions
are
17 interconnected in the center of the axis of rotation, in accordance with
at least
18 one of the embodiment thereof;
19 [94] Figure 46 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
the impeller wherein the impeller's eye has different volume and front facing
area,
21 in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
22 [95] Figure 47 is an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
23 impeller wherein the impeller's eye has different volume and front
facing area, in
24 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
[96] Figure 48 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a possible
26 embodiment of the impeller wherein the impeller's eye has different
volume and
27 front facing area, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment
thereof;
14
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1 [97] Figure 49 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
2 the impeller wherein the extensions have a progressive radial change in
the
3 angle of attack, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment
thereof;
4 [98] Figure 50 is a side illustration of a possible embodiment of
the impeller
wherein the extensions have a progressive radial change in the angle of
attack,
6 in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
7 [99] Figure 511s an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
8 impeller wherein the extension have a progressive radial change in the
angle of
9 attack, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
[100] Figure 52 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a possible
11 embodiment of the impeller wherein the extensions have a progressive
radial
12 change in the angle of attack, in accordance with at least one of the
embodiment
13 thereof;
14 [101] Figure 53 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
the impeller wherein the impellers has three extensions and five snow-engaging
16 portions and wherein the extensions are supported by a retaining member,
in
17 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
18 [102] Figure 54 is an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
19 impeller wherein the impellers has three extensions and five snow-
engaging
portions and wherein the extension are contained in a retaining member, in
21 accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
22 [103] Figure 55 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a
possible
23 embodiment of the impeller wherein the impellers has three extensions
and five
24 snow-engaging portions and wherein the extensions are contained in a
retaining
member, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
26 [104] Figure 56 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
27 the impeller wherein the impellers has three extensions and five snow-
engaging
28 portions, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
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1 [105] Figure 57 is an elevational illustration of a possible
embodiment of the
2 impeller wherein the impellers has three extensions and five snow-
engaging
3 portions, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment thereof;
4 [106] Figure 58 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a
possible
embodiment of the impeller wherein the impellers has three extensions and five
6 snow-engaging portions, in accordance with at least one of the embodiment
7 thereof;
8 [107] Figure 59 is a top perspective illustration of a possible
embodiment of
9 the impeller wherein the impeller is combined with an endless screw
assembled
on the axis or rotation, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof;
11 [108] Figure 60 is a side-bottom perspective illustration of a
possible
12 embodiment of the impeller wherein the impeller is combined with an
endless
13 screw assembled on the axis or rotation, in accordance with at least one
14 embodiment thereof; an illustration of the perspective view of a
possible
embodiment of the impeller in the exemplary snowblower wherein the rotation
16 axis of the impeller is an endless screw;
17 [109] Figure 61 is a side illustration of an embodiment of the
impeller and its
18 components;
19 [110] Figure 62 is a front illustration of an embodiment of the
impeller and its
components;
21 [111] Figure 63 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
22 impeller and its components;
23 [112] Figure 64 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
24 impeller and its components;
[113] Figure 65 is a perspective view of illustration of an embodiment of
the
26 impeller and its components;
27 [114] Figure 66 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
28 impeller and its components;
16
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1 [115] Figure 67 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
2 impeller and its components;
3 [116] Figure 68 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
4 impeller and its components;
[117] Figure 69 is an elevational view of illustration of an embodiment of
the
6 impeller and its components;
7 [118] Figure 70 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
8 impeller and its components;
9 [119] Figure 71 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
impeller and its components;
11 [120] Figure 72 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
12 impeller and its components;
13 [121] Figure 73 is a perspective view of illustration of an
embodiment of the
14 impeller and its components; and
[122] Figure 74 is a perspective view of illustration of an embodiment of
the
16 impeller and its components.
17
18 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION
19 [123] Our work is now described with reference to the figures. In
the
following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details
are
21 set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention by
22 way of embodiment(s). It may be evident, however, that the present
invention
23 may be practiced without these specific details.
24 [124] A snowblower 10 driven and powered by a vehicle 14 is
illustrated in
Figure 1. In the present situation, the vehicle 14 is a schematically
illustrated
26 tractor 18 that is powering the snowblower 10 with its power take off
(PTO) 22.
27 The tractor 18 has a front side 26 and is driven in reverse to remove
snow from
28 the ground with the snowblower 10. The snowblower 10 thus has a front
side 30
17
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1 that is opposed to the tractor's front side 26 in the illustrated
configuration. The
2 snowblower 10 could alternatively be secured to the tractor 18 in the
opposite
3 direction causing the snowblower's front side 30 to be in the same
direction as
4 the tractor's front side 26 without departing from the scope of the
present
invention. The snowblower 10 could also alternatively be located in front of
the
6 tractor 18 without further departing from the scope of the invention. In
the latter
7 configuration, the front of the snowblower 10 would be in the same
direction as
8 the front of the tractor 18. The snowblower 10 could also be located in
front of the
9 tractor 18 with the snowblower's 10 front toward the rear of the tractor
18
(however this would be a bit unusual).
11 [125] A snowblower 10 of a different configuration is illustrated
in Figure 2.
12 The self-powered snowblower 34 illustrated in Figure 2 generally refers
to
13 personal snowblowers 10. The snowblower 34 generally includes a pair of
14 handles 38 for a user to grasp to operate the snowblower 10, a pair of
wheels 42,
an engine 46 driving the wheels 42, an impeller 50 and a screw 54 located in
16 front of the snowblower 34 to manage the snow introduced in the impeller
50. A
17 snow-directing mechanism 58 operatively associated with the impeller 50
is
18 located above the impeller 50.
19 [126] The text that follows is going to describe a snowblower in
the
configuration illustrated in Figure 1 to facilitate the reading of the text.
The focus
21 put on the snowblower in the configuration illustrated in Figure 1 is
not intended
22 to disclaim any rights associated with snowblowers 10, 34 of different
23 configurations even if not expressly described therein.
24 [127] Moving now to Figure 3 throughout Figure 7, illustrating a
snowblower
10 with a snow-directing mechanism 58 capable of directing the snow propelled
26 by the snowblower 10. The snow-directing mechanism 58 is configured to
27 manage the direction and the height of the flow of snow when blown by
the
28 snowblower 10. The snowblower 10 includes a body 62 to which the snow-
29 directing mechanism 58 is attached. The body 62 includes a snow-
collecting
portion 66 generally made of steel and generally having a rectangular section
18
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1 that is equipped with a pair of ground-contacting members 70 adapted to
set the
2 height of the snowblower 10 and facilitate the movement of the snowblower
10
3 on the ground. The body 62 also a snow-blowing mechanism 74 taking the
snow
4 from the snow collecting portion 66 to the snow-directing mechanism 68 and
= 5 propel the snow at a distance from the snowblower 10.
6 [128] The snow-collecting portion 66 is used to collect the snow on
the
7 ground and for other purposes. One of the other purposes is to make sure
to limit
8 the size of the pieces of snow to prevent blocking the snowblower 10 with
blocks
9 of snow and ice and therefore ensures proper functioning of the snow
blowing
mechanism 74. An exemplary embodiment of a mechanism adapted to do so is
11 illustrated in Figure 3 throughout Figure 8. A front horizontal rotating
axle 78 is
12 equipped with a screw-like tooth member 82 to grind the snow in front of
the
13 snowblower 10. The axle 78 is rotated by a drive taking power from the
engine's
14 PTO (not shown) of the tractor 18. The screw-like tooth member 82 is
designed
in such a way that the snow is going to be moved 86 toward the center of the
16 snowblower 10. In so doing, the direction of rotation of the screw-like
tooth
17 member 82 is opposed on each of the right side and the left side of the
18 snowblower 10. A snowblower 10 with a pair of superposed rotating axles
78 is
19 illustrated in Figure 8 throughout Figure 10.
[129] The rotating axle 78 illustrated in Figure 3 throughout Figure 10
include
21 a screw-like tooth member 82 with an additional snow shovel member 98
22 disposed in the middle of the screw-like tooth member 82. The snow
shovel
23 members 98 rotate with the rotating axle 78 and push the snow facing the
middle
24 portion of the screw-like tooth member 82 in the snowblower 10.
[130] Still in Figure 1 throughout Figure 10, one can appreciate the
typical
26 three-point fastening mechanism 114 adapted to connect the snowblower 10
to
27 the tractor 18. Other systems like the hydraulic system 118 for managing
the
28 direction of the snow can be appreciated.
29 [131] The snowblower 10 has a snow-blowing mechanism 74 between the
snow-collecting portion 66 and the snow-directing mechanism 58. The snow-
19
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1 blowing mechanism 74 is generally housed within the body 62 in a shape of
an
2 impeller 50 rotating about a rotational axis 90 as it is illustrated in
Figure 2
3 throughout Figure 7. One can appreciate that the opening 92 of the snow-
blowing
4 mechanism 74 is managed with a restriction member 94. The restriction
member
94 is embodied as a plate in the Figures and could be embodied differently to
6 serve a comparable function. The restriction member 94 is covering the
upper
7 portion of the impeller's housing opening 92 in the body 62. The
restriction
8 member 94 restricts the opening 92 that is accelerating the flow of air
and snow
9 inside the snow-blowing mechanism 74 given the smaller opening 92. The
restriction member 94 can be adjustable and covers a desired portion of the
11 opening 92. The restriction member 94 is preferably applied on the upper
portion
12 of the opening 92 and can cover a small portion of the opening 92 to
about half of
13 the opening 92. The restriction member 94 also interacts with the
impeller 50 to
14 optimize the vacuum created by the rotative impeller 50. More precise
interaction
between the restriction member 94 and a snow-engaging portion 122 of the
16 impeller 50 that is going to be discussed in more details below.
17 [132] Figure 11 illustrate a semi-exploded view of the snowblower
10 where
18 the rotating axle 78 and the impeller 50 are disassembled from the body
62.
19 Figure 12 and Figure 13 illustrate the snowblower without the rotating
axis 78 and
the restriction member 94 to appreciate the impeller 50 operatively assembled
in
21 the opening 92 of the body 62. Figure 12 and Figure 13 are depicting a
22 snowblower without the screw-like tooth members 82 to better see the
impeller
23 74.
24 [133] Figure 14 throughout Figure 17 are illustrating various
exploded views
of the snowblower 10 for further understanding of the assembly. A gearbox 126
is
26 secured to the body 62 to receive rotative motive power from the engine
(tractor's
27 PTO), protected with guard 130, and transmit power to the impeller 50
and the
28 rotative axle 78 assembly. One can also appreciate the lower portion of
the body
29 62 includes a blade 134 and optional supporting legs 138. A drive system
142 is
used to transmit power to the rotating axle 78 via a drive axle 146. A
hydraulic
31 actuator 150 is also depicted in Figure 16. The hydraulic actuator 150
is used to
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1 rotate a nozzle 154 of the snow-directing mechanism 58. An opening 158 in
the
2 body 62 is also illustrated in Figure 16 to allow passage of the snow
from the
3 impeller 50 to the snow-directing mechanism 58.
4 [134] A side elevational schematic illustration of the exemplary
vacuum
generated by a prior art impeller 50 in a snowblower 10 is depicted in Figure
18
6 and Figure 19 for the benefit of the reader. The impeller 50
configuration includes
7 a plurality of vanes 162 extending between a rear axial region 166 and a
front
8 axial region 170. Each vane includes a snow-engaging portion 122 toward
the
9 front axial region 170. The vanes 162 further include respective portions
configured to propel snow 174 between the front axial region 166 and the rear
11 axial region 170 that are rotating with a limited gap against the
opening 92 of the
12 body 62 to create a vacuum (negative pressure channeling air in the
snowblower
13 10). Generally, the gap against the opening 92 of the body 62 is less
than 24
14 mm. The portions of the impeller 50 that are configured to propel snow
174 are
defining an impeller's eye 178 located in the center of the impeller 50 about
the
16 rotation axis 90 of the impeller 50. The impeller's eye 178 is void of
portions of
17 the vanes 162 that are configured to propel snow 174 and thus offer
little
18 pumping effect while having no means for preventing a loss of vacuum
generated
19 by the portions of the impeller configured to propel snow 174 and snow-
engaging
portions 122 thereof. The resulting effect in the flow through the snowblower
10 is
21 exemplified with arrows, in Figure 19, where peripheral portion 182 of
the
22 impeller 50 are creating vacuum in the snowblower 50 while the central
portion
23 186 of the impeller's eye 178 is not producing enough restriction or
vacuum to
24 prevent a loss of pressure.
[135] In contrast, the embodiments illustrated in Figure 20 and Figure 21
are
26 improving the vacuum created by the rotation of the impeller 50 by
restricting the
27 impeller's eye 178 with snow-engaging portions 122 that are elongated
190
28 toward the axis of rotation 90. The snow-engaging portions 122 can be
extended
29 and formed in the vane 162; however, the snow-engaging portions 122 can
alternatively be extended and formed of an additional and distinct part
assembled
31 to the vane 162 with fasteners, welding or other means. The snow-
engaging
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1 portions 122 can be extended and the extended portion of the snow-
engaging
2 portion 122 can be made of a distinct part than the snow-engaging portion
122
3 abutted to the vane 162. These parts can be secured together with
fasteners or
4 welded or secured in a different fashion. The impeller 50 and its
constituting parts
are made of strong materials capable of withstanding significant mechanical
6 stresses. Steel, aluminum, casting materials, powder materials and
reinforced
7 plastics are contemplated by the present invention and are not intended
to limit
8 materials applicable to the present invention that could become obvious
for a
9 skilled reader. The assembly of the snowblower 10 and the parts therein
is using
fasteners, rivets and welding where needed.
11 [136] A single snow-engaging portion 122 can be elongated.
Preferably, at
12 least a pair of snow-engaging portions 122 is elongated for balancing
the rotating
13 impeller 50 and for added strength. When a plurality of snow-engaging
portions
14 122 is sufficiently elongated to reach each other, they are
interconnected to
ensure a strong mechanical assembly. The impeller's eye 178 is a region of the
16 impeller that is void of vanes 162 and that offers little pumping effect
but, in the
17 configuration depicted in Figure 20 and Figure 21, the extended snow-
engaging
18 portions 122 offer additional pumping effect and create restriction to
prevent a
19 loss of vacuum generated by the portions of the impeller with portions
configured
to propel snow 174 and snow-engaging portions 122. The resulting effect in the
21 flow of air is exemplified with arrows in Figure 21 where the entire
section 190 of
22 the impeller 50 is vacuuming in the snowblower 50. Additional
embodiments are
23 presented in Figure 22 throughout Figure 27 with the addition of the
restriction
24 member 94 to the assembly.
[137] It has to be noted that the radial length of the snow-engaging
portions
26 embodied in the present application can extend a little toward the axis
of rotation 22
27 of the impeller 50 up to a complete extension over the center of
rotation 22. As it will
28 be explained below, the complete extension across the snow-blowing
mechanism 74
29 opening 92 might be desirable under certain circumstances. However,
because the
snow-blowing mechanism 74 is blowing air, water, snow of various densities,
dirt and
31 debris, an intermediate radial length of the snow-engaging portions 122,
between the
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1 vanes 162 and the axis of rotation 22, is likely desirable despite longer
or shorter
2 snow-engaging portions 122 m'lht be desirable for specific usage
conditions.
3 Completely extending the opening 94 of the snow blowing mechanism 74
appears
4 not to be the optimal configuration for snow because it prevents chunks
of snow to
be introduced through the impeller's eye 178. The snow must be progressively
cut by
6 the rotating snow-engaging portions 122 instead of simply being directly
introduced
7 in the impeller's eye 178.
8 [138] In the embodiments illustrated in Figure 22 Throughout
Figure 27, the
9 restriction member 94 is restricting the opening 92 of the snow-blowing
mechanism 74 to reduce portions of the opening 92 that are less efficient for
11 collecting snow. Figure 22 throughout Figure 23 illustrate an embodiment
where
12 the restriction member 94 extends to a length substantially equal to the
length of
13 the snow-engaging portion 122 in front of the portion to propel snow 174
of the
14 vanes 162. Figure 24 throughout Figure 25 illustrate an embodiment where
the
restriction member 94 extends further to a length extending beyond the length
of
16 snow-engaging portions 122, extending over the impeller's eye 178 in
front of the
17 hub 194. Lastly, Figure 26 and Figure 27 illustrate an embodiment where
the
18 restriction member 94 extends to a length extending to the axis of
rotation 90,
19 thus extending over about half of the impeller's eye 178, in front of
the hub 194.
One can appreciate form these Figures that the loss of vacuum is reduced with
21 the reduction of the opening 92 and that the interaction between the
snow-
22 engaging portions 122 with the restriction member 94 are adding to the
vacuum
23 power of the snow-blowing mechanism 74.
24 [139] A plurality of embodiments is used below to show different
configurations and arrangements thereof. These embodiments are not intended
26 to be limited to the elements and configurations distinctly illustrated
therein. The
27 present application is encompassing combinations of features, elements,
angles
28 and functions thereof, and are contemplating possible combinations of
features,
29 elements, angles and functions from the point of view of a skilled
reader in the
are of snowblower design.
23
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1 [140] An embodiment of a possible configuration of the impeller
50, with
2 extended snow-engaging portions 122, is exemplified in Figure 28
throughout
3 Figure 30. The impeller 50 includes a hub 194 from which a plurality of
vanes 162
4 is radially extending. Each vane 162 of this embodiment includes a
portion to
propel snow 174 preferably facing the direction of rotation of the impeller 50
to
6 propel snow. The portion to propel snow is reinforced with a
reinforcement
7 member 198. The portion to propel snow is secured on the rear axial
region 166
8 to a back plate 202 substantially normal to the axis of rotation 90. The
extensions
9 206 of the snow-engaging portions 122 are illustrated as distinct parts
assembled
to the snow-engaging portions 122 secured to the vanes 162. It can be
11 appreciated that the snow-engaging portions 122 and extensions 206
thereof are
12 angled forward with, for instance, angle a. The angle a is about between
5 and
13 60 to attack the snow and also to increase the vacuum effect of the
impeller 50.
14 Preferably, the angle a is about between 50 and 30 to efficiently
attack the snow
and also to increase the vacuum effect of the impeller 50. More preferably,
the
16 angle a is about between 50 and 15 to more efficiently attack the snow
and also
17 to increase the vacuum effect of the impeller 50 while preventing
requiring
18 significant power to aggressively collect snow. More details about the
angles a is
19 going to be illustrated with more details below. Each snow-engaging
portion 122
is provided with a series of teeth 210 and reinforcement 214. The extensions
206
21 are also provided with teeth 210 thereon and are reaching each other
near the
22 axis of rotation 90. The opposed angled extensions 206 are secured at
their
23 meeting point to increase the strength of the assembly.
24 [141] Figure 31 throughout Figure 33 illustrate another embodiment
where
the extensions 206 have an increased width 218 constantly increasing with an
26 angle of about 13. The width 218 of the extension 206 can encompass the
snow-
27 engaging portion 122 and be linear or use a progressive shape
transition. The
28 embodiment depicts an enlarged width 218 of the snow-engaging portion
122
29 toward the middle of the impeller's eye 178 provides additional vacuum
effect in
locations of the snow-engaging portion 122 where the linear speed of the snow-
31 engaging portion 122 is lesser than at the distal portion thereof.
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1 [142] Figure 34 throughout Figure 36 illustrate another embodiment
where
2 the snow-engaging portions 112 and the extensions 206 have no teeth
thereon.
3 [143] Figure 37 throughout Figure 39 illustrate an embodiment
where the
4 extensions 206 of the snow-engaging portions 112 are wider than the snow-
engaging portions 112 and have a plurality of sequential attack angles a. A
6 primary angle 222, with angle 180-a, and a secondary angle 226, with
angle 180-
7 a', are illustrated. The plurality of sequential attack angles could be
replaced with
8 a progressive attack angle (not illustrated). The plurality of attack
angles a is
9 offering increased vacuum and snow blowing capability to the impeller 50.
[144] Figure 40 throughout Figure 42 illustrate another embodiment where
11 the extensions 206 of the snow-engaging portions 112 have a plurality of
12 sequential toothed attack angles. A primary angle 222, with angle a, and
a
13 secondary angle 226, with angle 180-a', are illustrated. The plurality
of sequential
14 attack angles could be replaced with a progressive attack angle (not
illustrated).
The plurality of attack angles a is offering increased vacuum and snow blowing
16 capability to the impeller 50.
17 [145] Figure 43 throughout Figure 45 illustrate another embodiment
where all
18 the vanes 162 have a respective extension 206 of their snow-engaging
portion
19 112. In the present embodiment, four extended snow-engaging portion 112
are
illustrated and interconnected, preferably welded or secured with fasteners,
in the
21 center of the impeller's rotation axis 90. Further, the four snow-
engaging portion
22 112 have toothed 210 and angled snow-engaging portions 112. An angle a
is
23 illustrated. The proximal sides of the extensions 206 can optionally be
secured to
24 an extension of the center portion of the impeller 50. Thick connection
to the
center portion of the impeller 50 can be applied to other embodiments
described
26 in the specification despite the connection is not illustrated with each
27 embodiment.
28 [146] An impeller's eye 178 is the center of the impeller 50 where
the vanes
29 162 are leaving a void to secure the hub 162 to the drive of the
impeller 50.
Figure 46 throughout Figure 48 illustrate another embodiment where all the
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1 vanes 162 are designed to define an impeller's eye 178 of a different
volume and
2 front facing area. The proximal and axial shape 230 of the portions to
propel
3 snow 174 is profiled differently to adjust the vacuum of the impeller 50.
The
4 vanes 162 are designed with a straight edge 238.
[147] Figure 49 throughout Figure 52 illustrate another embodiment where
6 the extensions 206 of the snow-engaging portions 112 have a progressive
radial
7 change in the angle of attack a, extending to angle a' toward the axis of
rotation
8 of the impeller 50. A digressive angle where a>(180-a') is illustrated. A
9 progressive angle where a<(180-a') is encompassed by the present
application
despite this embodiment is not illustrated and believed to be obvious in view
of
11 the Figure 49 throughout Figure 51. The progressive angle of the snow-
engaging
12 portions 112 and extensions 206 thereof are, inter alia, adapted to
adjust the
13 vacuum of the snow-engaging portions 112 and extensions 206 in respect
with
14 the linear speed of the and extensions 206 and extensions 206 and/or the
amount of snow to be efficiently engaged by a specific region of the vane 162.
16 [148] Moving now to Figure 53 throughout Figure 55 illustrating an
impeller
17 50 with snow-engaging portions 112 and extensions 206 thereof that are
not
18 necessarily aligned with a respective vane 162. A retaining member 242
supports
19 the extensions 206. The retaining member 242 is embodied as a ring and
is
located between the snow-engaging portions 112 and the extensions 206. The
21 retaining member 242 is used to reinforce the impeller 50, to allow
using a
22 number of extensions 206 that is different than the number of vanes 162,
that are
23 not aligned with a respective vane 162 and also to allow more adjustment
of the
24 extensions 206 in respect with the snow-engaging portions 122. The angle
a of
the extensions 206 can be different than the angle of the snow-engaging
portions
26 122, among other advantages like easy securing and replacement of the
27 extensions 206. The extensions 206 assembled with the retaining member
242
28 can come as a bundle for easy replacement or as a kit to retrofit
existing impeller
29 50.
26
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1 [149] Figure 56 throughout Figure 58 are illustrating a six-vanes
162 impeller
2 50 configurations with alternated vanes 162 with an extension 206
thereof. Each
3 extension 206 is secured to a vane 162 preferably via respective snow-
engaging
4 portions 122. This symmetrical layout allows for easy balancing and
lightens the
impeller 50.
6 [150] Figure 59 and Figure 60 are illustrating en embodiment where
an
7 endless screw 246 used with or without extensions 206. The endless screw
246
8 is adapted to increase the amount of snow the impeller 50 can propel and
9 ensures limited snow blocks sizes with get in touch with the impeller 50.
The
endless screw 246 is optionally connected to the extensions 206 and is axially
11 connected to the hub 194 or an extension thereof. Alternatively, the
endless
12 screw 246 could be secure otherwise or used with a different combination
of
13 parts.
14
[151] Figure 61 and Figure 62 are provided to illustrate general angles and
16 dimensions of the impeller 50 and its components. The reader should be
aware
17 that the dimensions and angles are for illustrative purposes only and
are
18 applicable for tractors 18 of average power. The dimensions are going to
be
19 adjusted for tractors 18 that are more or less powerful. The dimensions
and
angles of the impeller 50 and its components can also be modified in
accordance
21 with specific requirements associated with the tractor 18, the
conditions of the
22 snow and other mechanical and environmental considerations. Exemplary
23 dimensions and angles are indicated in the following table:
24
Numeral Description Min. Max. Min. Max.
reference angle angle length length
328 Angle of the snow-engaging 00 900 n/a n/a
portion
328 Angle of the snow-engaging 100 80 n/a n/a
portion
328 Angle of the snow-engaging 300 70 n/a n/a
portion
328 Angle of the snow-engaging 350 60 n/a n/a
portion
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328 Angle of the snow-engaging 400 550 n/a n/a
portion
328 Angle of the snow-engaging 45 70 n/a n/a
portion
328 Angle of the snow-engaging 550 700 n/a n/a
portion
328 Angle of the snow-engaging 60 65 n/a n/a
portion
332 Radial extension of the n/a n/a 0 mm 200 mm
snow-engaging portior
332 Radial extension of the n/a n/a 20 mm 175 mm
snow-engaging portion
332 Radial extension of the n/a n/a 40 mm 150 mm
snow-engaging portion
332 Radial extension of the n/a n/a 60 mm 125 mm
snow-engaging portion
332 Radial extension of the n/a n/a 80 mm 110 mm
snow-engaging portion
332 Radial extension of the n/a n/a 90 mm 100 mm
snow-engaging portion
336 Diameter of impeller n/a n/a 200 mm 1000 mm
336 Diameter of impeller n/a n/a 300 mm 900 mm
336 Diameter of impeller n/a - n/a 400 mm 800 mm
336 Diameter of impeller n/a n/a 500 mm 700 mm
336 Diameter of impeller n/a n/a 600 mm 650 mm
340 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 0 mm 600 mm
340 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 100 mm 500 mm
340 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 150 mm 400 mm
340 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 200 mm 300 mm
340 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 200 mm 250 mm
344 Depth of impeller n/a n/a 100 mm 600 mm
344 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 150 mm 500 mm
344 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 200 mm 400 mm
344 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 225 mm 300 mm
344 Free diameter in impeller n/a n/a 250 mm 275 mm
1
2 Table 1
3 [152] Turning now to Figure 63 that illustrates an impeller 50 with
two sets of
4 snow-engaging portions 122.1, 122.2. The second set of snow-engaging
portions
122.2 is fixedly or removably secured to the first set of snow-engaging
portions
6 122.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the second set of snow-engaging
portions
7 122.2 is radially and proximally extending toward the axis of rotation 90
beyond
8 the radially and proximally extension of the first set of snow-engaging
portions
9 122.1. The superposed sets of snow-engaging portions 122.1, 122.2 provide
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1 added strength to the impeller 50 and offer the option to remove the
second set
2 of snow-engaging portions 122.2 if it is not desired or, for instance, if
they are
3 damaged allowing the snowblower 10 to remain usable. One can appreciate
4 angle 348 on the proximal side of the snow-engaging portions 122.2 to
increase
the size of the central opening of the impeller while providing maximum radial
6 extension toward the axis of rotation 90.
7 [153] Figure 64 illustrate another embodiment of the invention
depicting a
8 second set of snow-engaging portions 122.2 that have a reduced width 352
9 compared to the first set of snow-engaging portions 122.1. The reduced
width
352 is performed on the portion of the second set of snow-engaging portions
11 122.2 that is radially and proximally extending beyond the first set of
snow-
12 engaging portions 122.1. The reduced width allows, inter alia, for
minimizing the
13 weight of the rotative assembly and maximum central opening of the
impeller 50.
14 [154] Figure 65 illustrate an embodiment that is the opposite of
the
embodiment of Figure 64. The first set of snow-engaging portions 122.1 is
16 radially longer than the length of the second set of snow-engaging
portions
17 122.2. The width of the first set of snow-engaging portions 122.1 is
also reduced
18 compared to the width of the second set of snow-engaging portions 122.2.
The
19 teeth of the snow-engaging portions 122.1 are recessed back in respect
with the
teeth of the snow-engaging portions 122.2.
21 [155] Figure 66 depicts another embodiment with a single set of
snow-
22 engaging portions 122 that have a radial length of substantially similar
radial
23 length with their respectively supporting portions to propel snow 174 of
the
24 impeller 50. The portions to propel snow 174 define an impeller's eye
178 of
significant size.
26 [156] Figure 67 illustrate an embodiment that is the opposite of
the
27 embodiment of Figure 64. The first set of snow-engaging portions 122.1
is
28 radially longer than the length of the second set of snow-engaging
portions
29 122.2. The width of the first set of snow-engaging portions 122.1 is
also reduced
compared to the width of the second set of snow-engaging portions 122.2. The
29
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1 teeth of the snow-engaging portions 122.1 are at the same height with the
teeth
2 of the snow-engaging portions 122.2.
3 [157] Figure 68 and Figure 69 are illustrating an embodiment where
the
4 impeller 50 has two snow-engaging portions 122 each comprising an
extended
connector 360 adapted to secure thereon a snow-engaging portion extension
6 206 and extend, in combination, across the impeller 50. The snow-engaging
7 portion extension 206 is secured to the snow-engaging portion 122 to be
8 removed for maintenance, repair or replacement. The snow-engaging portion
9 extensions 206 of the present embodiment can be secured, welded or
jointed
together about the axis of rotation 90. One can appreciate that the teeth of
the
11 snow-engaging portion extensions 206 are not aligned 364 with the teeth
of the
12 snow-engaging portion 122. The teeth 210 of the snow-engaging portion
13 extensions 206 are also designed with an angle p thereof on the proximal
portion
14 of the snow-engaging portion extensions 206. The snow-engaging portion
extensions 206 are thinner at their proximal side.
16 [158] Another embodiment is depicted in Figure 70 with an impeller
50
17 equipped with extended snow-engaging portions 122. The extended snow-
18 engaging portions 122 are extending toward the axis of rotation 90 of
the impeller
19 50 without covering the center of the impeller 50. The extended snow-
engaging
portions 122 are angled with angle a to collect snow. The impeller 50 is also
21 equipped with a reinforcement 368 adapted to rigidify the assembly.
22 [159] An embodiment illustrating an impeller 50 equipped with
extended
23 snow-engaging portions 122 with a snow-engaging portions 122 thickness
24 variation 372 on the front edge of the snow-engaging portions 122 is
depicted in
Figure 71. The extended snow-engaging portions 122 are extending toward the
26 axis of rotation 90 of the impekr 50 without covering the center of the
impeller
27 50. The extended snow-engaging portions 122 are angled with angle a to
collect
28 snow. The impeller 50 is also equipped with a reinforcement 368 adapted
to
29 rigidify the assembly. The thickness reduction 372 is adapted to extend
toward
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1 the rotation axis 90 of the impeller 50 without covering too much surface
area of
2 the impeller 50.
3 [160] Another embodiment illustrating an impeller 50 equipped with
extended
4 snow-engaging portions 122 with a snow-engaging portions 122 thickness
reduction 376 is depicted in Figure 72. The thickness reduction 376 is located
on
6 the trailing edge of the snow-engaging portions 122. The extended snow-
7 engaging portions 122 are extending toward the axis of rotation 90 of the
impeller
8 50 without covering the center of the impeller 50. The extended snow-
engaging
9 portions 122 are angled with angle a to collect snow. The impeller 50 is
also
equipped with a reinforcement 368 adapted to rigidify the assembly. The
11 thickness reduction 372 is adapted to extend toward the rotation axis 90
of the
12 impeller 50 without covering too much surface area of the impeller 50.
13 [161] Another embodiment illustrating an impeller 50 equipped with
extended
14 snow-engaging portions 122 with a taper 380 snow-engaging portions 122
is
depicted in Figure 73. The tapering of the snow-engaging portions 122 is
getting
16 smaller toward the center of the impeller 50. The extended snow-engaging
17 portions 122 are extending toward the axis of rotation 90 of the
impeller 50
1.8 without covering the center of the impeller 50. The extended snow-
engaging
19 portions 122 are angled with angle a to collect snow. The impeller 50 is
also
equipped with a reinforcement 368 adapted to rigidify the assembly. The
21 thickness reduction 372 provided by the tapering of the snow-engaging
portions
22 122 is adapted to extend toward the rotation axis 90 of the impeller 50
without
23 covering too much surface area of the impeller 50.
24 [162] One other embodiment illustrating an impeller 50 equipped
with angled
snow-engaging portions 122 is depicted in Figure 74. The snow-engaging
26 portions 122 are angled with angle a to collect snow. The impeller 50 is
also
27 equipped with a reinforcement 368 adapted to rigidify the assembly.
28 [163] The description and the drawings that are presented above
are meant
29 to be illustrative of the present invention. They are not meant to be
limiting of the
scope of the present invention. Modifications to the embodiments described may
31
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1 be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which
is
2 defined by the following claims:
3
32
